The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-09-15
GOV. PORrERs GRIEVANCE.
Unable 60 Endure Mr. Bayard's
Singular Methods.


NY. Hsrsld's washington Special.
Ex-Arsistant Secretary OF State Por-
ter left Washington this afternoon for
bis home In Nashville, Tenn. Al
though II is an open secret that Gen.
Porter resigned his position owing 10
q col flct Of authority between him.
self aud Secretary Bayard, he refused
10 discuee TIE matter for publication.
Some Of Gov. Porter's friends, how
ever, with whom be spoke unreserved-
ly on the eubj set, are notreticent, and
from one OF tosse, q Southern gentle.
man OF national reputation, the real
cause of the difficulty was learned.
According 10 this gentleman, Gov.
Porter bad been tmarting for more
than a year under the slights and
petty annoy snees put upon him by
Mr.. Bayard or one or two subordinalee
who enjoyed Mr.. Bsyard's confidence.
Although, by virtue OF his office, the
nominal head Of tho consular service, Il
is said that Gov. Porter knew bat little
more about its po icy and conduct
than did the obscurest clerks In bis
ffice. Even then, as q rule, hls
knowledge. like theirs. was gained ct
second hand. 30 far ~ other matters
connected with the department, we're
concerned. especially the negotiations
regarding the fisheries question, Gov.
Porter, a. has been shown In these
dispatches, was kept In the profound
est Ignorance.
Finally an event occurred which
made u Incumbent on Gov. Porter 10
tender his resignation and leave O do.
psrtment where II was obvious he
was no longer desired. Some time
during tina latter part Of August Con.
sul Heenan, at Odessa, Russia, refused
10 certify an invoice Of goods shipped
by Messrs. John Martin a Co., Of that
place, 10 0elrlchs a Co, OF New York
city, on account Of Martins refusal 10
furnish power Of attorney a. Osl'
richs' agent. The law upon this
point IL very explicit. Mtssrs Oel-
richs q 90. referred the matter 10
the State Department. Mr.. Bay.
ard then, the Treasury officials say,
prepared q hypothetical case which
he submitted 10 Secretary Falrohlld
for an opinion. Although contrary "a
ou,tom, the opinion Was furnished n
40 &C, Of courtesy TO fellow Cabinet
Minister. Gov. Porter's friends ssy,
however. that tho case submitted by
Mr.. Bsysrd was not parallel TO the
o lessa cAse, but that IL was, on the
contrary, one 10 which only an affirm
alive reply could be given. When the
Treasury Departments reply was 70
ceiyed Secretary Bayard wrote tele
gram 10 Consul Heenan at Odessa, or
I dering him 10 earthly the invoice q,
/ reauested. This telegram was laid
before Gov. Porter for his signature
al Frat Assistant Secretary. He a.,
swertd that he not only could not ou
would not sisn II. He also, II hi
friends are to be believed, spoke hiI
mind very freely 10 Mr.. BIyard, anS
then aud there notified that gentle
: nan Of his intention 10 resigu. Mr.
Bsysrd left the city the next day.
, Yesterday Gov. Porter hande'
, his resignation 10 President Cieve
. lapd. The President expressed hi
, resret Al the Governors action ant
ast1d II her could not be induces
, IN reconsider his determination
aov Porter bluntly replied that b.
shcu,d nsver sst foot In the depart
nsnt seain vhilp Mr.. Bsyard rsmains'